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Resources for regions boosts infrastructure

The NSW Government has committed more than $75 million to regional infrastructure projects to support mining communities as part of the 2013-14 second and biggest-ever round of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure & Services Andrew Stoner said funding from Restart NSW has been allocated to 14 projects in the Cobar, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Newcastle and Singleton local government areas. Funded projects include:

$10.1 million for a new Waste Water Treatment Plant in Lithgow;

$2 million for developments at Mudgee Airport;

$6.7 million to support the Cope Road project in the Mid Western LGA;

$2.5 million to support upgrades to the regional airport runway at Cobar;

$2.1 million for upgrades to Cobar’s sewerage system;

$5 million to help replace twin pipelines from Cobar to Nyngan, to reduce water losses and lower the risk of pipeline failures;

$3.5 million for safety and productivity upgrades to the Denman Intersection in Muswellbrook;

$7.2 million to address safety risks and maintenance costs in Denman, Bylong & Muswellbrook as part of the Hunter’s Mine Affected Roads Package;

$4 million for the Upper Hunter Tertiary Education Centre to help address skill needs in the coal industry;

$5.6 million to support road works, shared pathways and cliff stabilisation at the Shortland Esplanade in Newcastle;

$2.9 million towards the Ryan Avenue Pavement and Safety project in Singleton;

$6 million for upgrades to the Regional Livestock Markets in Singleton;

$12.3 million to support the Narrabri Water Supply Augmentation project; and

$5.9 million to support upgrades and expansion at Narrabri Airport.

“Today’s announcement shows the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to rebuild regional NSW, with the second round of funding bringing the total amount invested in 2013-14 to more than $117.7 million across 20 regional infrastructure projects.

“Over the four years of the program we will deliver at least $160 million in infrastructure funding for communities experiencing unique direct and indirect pressures on their infrastructure and services as a result of mining activity.

“Successful projects have been chosen by an independent panel for their capacity to support economic growth and productivity, ease infrastructure constraints, and support NSW communities affected by mining.

“These projects will deliver infrastructure to the regions in order to better service our communities, improve productivity and create jobs,” he said.

Mr Stoner said that, in 2014-15, mining affected communities will have even more opportunity to state their case for NSW Government financial support with enhanced funding selection criteria.

“While our focus has always been on priority needs first, we value community feedback and this has played an essential part in ensuring Government remains flexible in its approach.

“Two years into the program, we are now in a position to further expand the criteria to ensure all mining affected areas have the best possible opportunity to state their case for financial support.

“We will continue to listen to local communities to identify opportunities to refine and enhance the program,” Mr Stoner said.